Numbers of UK commercial freshly-calved heifers and cows sold at regular markets shot up between May and July by 71% to 760 head and 36% to 837 head, respectively, according to the latest AHDB Dairy figures.

The higher throughputs pushed average heifer prices down by 6.4% to £1,289.79 a head. Cows fell 11.5% to £979.45 a head, across the three-month period.

Producers relying mainly on grazing have been looking to streamline herds or get out of milk altogether as the drought decimates forage stocks and input costs soar.

Auctioneers told Farmers Weekly sellers were willing to move animals around the country, to buyers in Scotland and Cumbria to maximise prices.

Dispersal sale numbers were four to six weeks ahead of their usual position, according to auctioneer Dan Hassall of Cheshire-based Hassall Brothers.

“September and October is always busy for dispersal sales, but we have seen a significant correlation between the dry weather and sales booked in earlier than usual,” said Mr Hassall.

In many cases the sales are milking portions as well as whole-herd dispersals.

No price crash

Despite the situation being finely balanced, Mr Hassall does not foresee a crash in cow prices as the country is already short on both milk and stock.

“Intensive, housed units that have been less affected by the weather are propping up the market by paying decent prices for milky animals with good body condition,” he said.

“It’s the mid-range animals without that condition that have been hit hardest, with prices £200-£300 a head down on where they were four weeks ago.”

GB cull cow prices have plummeted by 19% since early June to 107.8p/kg in the week ending 4 August. The auctioneer said he had seen a significant uplift in the number going to market.

Second wave

“I can see a second wave of more youngstock coming to market. They are a bit of a luxury at the moment and farmers will begin to question whether they have enough feed for them as well,” Mr Hassall said.

TB complications

TB restrictions are adding further complications to sales, according to Norton & Brooksbank auctioneer Tom Brooksbank, who said sales are often a race against the clock.

“We have 60 days to disperse a herd once it’s passed a TB test,” he said.

“Ideally [when planning a dispersal] you would have time to pick certain bulls and tweak calving patterns to maximise the value of the herd and get everything shipshape, but you have to act fast now.”

Mr Brooksbank added that he had seen a dramatic change in attitudes among dairy farmers, who had become more nervous in recent months, but said if producers had suitable feed stocks, they should hold on.

“One week of good weather could change the situation massively,” he said.

Higher prices

Concentrate prices have risen by £25/t on average since the start of the year and are likely to be in the £240-£250/t region over the winter, according to AHDB Dairy.

The tipping point for producers to sell cows would be the inability to feed them, said NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes.

“There is no surplus of milk anywhere so farmgate prices should improve, but better margins will be wiped out by feed costs.”

Contract considerations

Philip Cuerden, managing director of law practice and NFU national legal panel firm Bowcock Cuerden explains what to consider if thinking of getting out of milk

Take legal advice to be certain of your contractual obligations before you act.

It’s crucial to comply with your contract when considering a dispersal sale to avoid being sued. Take legal advice or contact your processor if uncertain.

Read your contract to establish your notice period. Most are between three and 12 months. Also check the formal requirements for serving valid notice.

Some contracts require producers to supply a median volume of milk until the day of contract expiry.

Fixed-term deals will increase notice periods to the length of the agreed term.

If you will remain under an obligation to produce and sell milk to the end of the notice period then synchronise the notice period end to coincide with the dispersal sale.

Members leaving co-ops will be bound by additional rules.

The scope of force majeure clauses will vary substantially between contracts. Many include flooding clauses, but not drought or heatwaves specifically.

NFU members can contact the Call First Team for advice on 0370 845 8458.

Surviving the drought

Seven tips to help deal with the dry weather, from Mike Butler of Old Mill

Selling stock will reduce output and may crystallise some profits. However, take into account that cull cow and store values are already suffering.

Consider raising overdrafts to cover increased feed costs.

When looking at alternative feeds, consider the likely impact on productivity.

Make preparations for reduced incomes. Are you on the right tax credits?

Could tax payments be reduced on account? Although July payments will already have been made, if income and therefore tax bills will be down, payments can be reduced on account at any time.

Plan cash flows to help identify any pinch points. Planning early means these can be avoided. It’s crucial to understand their implications as they develop, and be proactive rather than burying your head in the sand.